# Sultan Alam Shah School

Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah or simply Alam Shah (abbreviated as SAS) is a fully residential school situated in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah is one of the schools in the country awarded with the title High Performance School and in 2014 was entitled as one of the 10 Schools of Global Excellence (SGE) by the Ministry of Education due to its academic merits, co-curricular achievements, strength of its alumnus, international recognition, broad network and vast linkages. The school is under the royal patronage of the Sultan of Selangor.

## History

Establishment
Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah was introduced as a result of the Razak Report drafted in 1956, in line with the efforts of reforming the education system in the Federation of Malaya. It began its operations on 7 February 1963 and was launched by the late Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Salahudin Abdul Aziz. During its inception, SAS became the first secondary Malay school in Malaya to enroll a batch of Form 6 students, which gave the opportunity for Malay students from the middle-class to further their studies both locally and abroad. The old school campus was located at Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Its first enrolment oversaw the intake of Form 4, Form 5 and Form 6 male students, as well as 8 female students in Lower Form 6. The trend of female intakes ended in 1974 as Sekolah Seri Puteri (SSP) had opened and started enrolling female students. During the same year, SAS started enrolling Form 1 students. SAS had also enrolled matriculation students from National University of Malaysia (UKM) from 1975 to 1998.
Moving to Putrajaya
There have been discussion to move the school when Kuala Lumpur were partioned from Selangor. In 1990, Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Menteri Besar of Selangor have proposed to move the school to Kuala Selangor. This however did not materialized.
Later, Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad proposed to move the school to Malaysia's new administrative capital, Putrajaya. The meeting between Mahathir and the former Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, Tan Sri Samsuddin Hitam [ms] had led to the realisation of this idea. A 24-hectare land was approved as the site for SAS’ new campus. Construction works started in early 2001, and ended in 2003. At the size of 142,000 m$^2$ (1,530,000 sq ft), the overall cost amounted to RM 54 million, which was considered the most expensive SBP ever built in Malaysia. The school gradually shifted from the Cheras campus to Putrajaya to make way for the oncoming opening ceremony.
On 25 April 2003, a total of 652 students migrated to the new campus . On 24 March 2006, the opening ceremony of the new campus were inaugurated by the current Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who also bestowed the name Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah to the school, which was based on the name of his grandfather, Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah. A year later, on 30 March 2007, SAS was granted the title Cluster School of Excellence (Malay: Sekolah Kluster Kecemerlangan) by the former Minister of Education, Dato’ Sri Hishamuddin Hussin. SAS was also named as a High Performance School (Malay: Sekolah Berprestasi Tinggi) on 25 January 2011.
On 7 February 2013, exactly 50 years after the establishment of SAS, the school celebrated its Golden Jubilee launched by Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat [ms], President of Putrajaya Corporation who is also an alumnus of the school. The celebration was visited by the sixth Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib Abdul Razak, who donated RM1 million to the school at the time of celebration, former Deputy Minister of Education Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi and former Director General of Education Tan Sri Ghafar Mahmud. The celebration included a gala night, marching formations, performance by multiple groups such as Alam Shah Wind Orchestra (ASWO) and Gamelan Tradisional SAS (GATRASAS), as well as gallery walks relating to the history and performance of the school. The celebration also oversaw the participation of international visitors.

## Motto and Identity

Motto
SAS’ main motto is enshrined on its blazonry, which is ‘Chita, Usaha, Jaya’ (Aspire, Strive and Succeed). Other mottos include ‘SAS: Good to Great, Great to Exceptional’.
Blazonry
The logo consists of a red “Old French” escutcheon (shield) with yellow per bend sinister motive. A blue circle with the crescent and the 14-pointed Federal Star (Bintang Persekutuan) is located in the middle of the shield. Above the circle lies a glaring red flame of a torch. Below the circle, an opened book is placed. Located below the book is a small blue banderole bearing the motto of the school ‘Chita Usaha Jaya’.
Below the shield, a simple black compartment is added and a blue banderole containing the words “Sultan Alam Shah Putrajaya”, denoting the school's name, is included.
Each element bears their own meaning, which include:
* Torch – Education and Support
* Book – Knowledge
* Star and Crescent – The Country, Islam and the National Principles (Rukun Negara)
* Yellow – Cautious
* Blue – Calmness
* White – Pureness
* Red – Bravery
Flag
The flag is a simple dark blue field with the school's blazonry in the middle. The blue field represents unity and calmness, while the middle position of the blazonry indicates the thorough acceptance of education.
Official Anthem
The official anthem for SAS is ‘Alam Shah Jaya’ (English: Victorious Alam Shah). It was composed and lyricised by Oscar H. Batoebara, an Indonesian teacher.
| Malay original | IPA transcription | English translation |
| Sekolah Alam Shah megah berjasa Membimbing satria harapan bangsa Cita, Usaha, Jaya amalan kita Jadi cogan kata setiap masa Pelajar Alam Shah taat berbakti Untuk nusa dan bangsa ibu pertiwi Tuhan merestukan cita-cita mulia Bertekad dan berdoa Alam Shah jaya | [sə.ko.lah a.lam ʃah mə.gah bər.d͡ʒa.sa] [məm.bim.bɪŋ sa.tri.ja ha.ra.pan baŋ.sa] [tʃi.ta, u.sa.ha d͡ʒa.ja a.ma.lan ki.ta] [d͡ʒa.di tʃo.gan ka.ta sə.ti.ap ̚ ma.sa] [pə.la.d͡ʒar a.lam ʃah ta.at ̚ bər.baʔ ̚.ti] [un.tuk ̚ nu.sa dan baŋ.sa i.bu per.ti.wi] [tu.han mə.rəs ̚.tu.kan tʃi.ta tʃi.ta mu.lja] [bər.tɛ.kad ̚ dan bər.do.a a.lam ʃah d͡ʒa.ja] | Sultan Alam Shah School, mighty and meritorious Guiding warriors, the nation’s hope Aspire, Strive and Succeed, our pledge Becoming our slogan in any time The students of Alam Shah are obedient and devoted For the people and nation, our motherland May God bless our noble aspirations Strive and pray for the success of Alam Shah! |

## Organisation

List of Principals
| Principal | Years in Service |
| Haji Halimi Hj. Sharbaini | 1963–1966 |
| Prof. Dato' Dr. Ariffin Suhaimi | 1967–1969 |
| Dato' Hj. Mohd. Ghazali Hj. Hanafiah | 1969 – June 1970 |
| Dato' Haji Mahpor Baba | June 1970 – December 1970 |
| Dato' Haji Ghazali Uda Omar | 1971–1972 |
| Haji Hamzah Salas | 1972 – March 1978 |
| Haji Baharom Othman | March 1978 – December 1978 |
| Dato' Dr. Haji Harun Hassan | 1979–1982 |
| Haji Mohamad Ahmad Sani | 1982–1985 |
| Haji Abd. Rahman B. Mohd. Yunus | 1985–1987 |
| Haji Mohd. Razali B. Hj. Mahmud | 1987–1990 |
| Dato' Haji Abdul Raof B. Hussin | 1990–1993 |
| Haji Mohammed Zon B. Ramli | 1993–1996 |
| Haji Md. Yusoff B. Othman | 1996–2003 |
| Haji Shamsuddin B. Md Nor | 2003–2005 |
| Dato' Haji Khairil B. Awang | 2005–2008 |
| Haji Mohamad Kamaludin B. Taib | 2008–2010 |
| Ahmad Rosidi B. Ramley | 2010–2012 |
| Dato' Haji Haidzir B. Hussin | 2013–2017 |
| Salleh B. Ismail | 2017–2019 |
| Md Baharudin B. Mahani | 2020–2021 |
| Mursiedy B. Ab Hamid | 2022–2023 |
| Tn. Hj. Nor Azam B. Abdullah | 2023–now |

## Co-curricular Activities

Rugby
This school is well known for its strong rugby prowess. The school rugby team is one of the pioneers in Malaysian youth and grassroots rugby which had successfully produced many accomplished rugby players nationwide. The school team participated in the Super Six Schools Rugby Tournament. The tournament is held among traditional rivals of the game which made up of the best rugby playing schools in Malaysia – Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK), Sekolah Tuanku Abd Rahman (STAR) Ipoh, Sekolah Dato Abd Razak (SDAR) in Seremban, Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah (SAS) in Putrajaya, Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor (SMSS) and Sekolah Menengah Sains Hulu Selangor (SEMASHUR).
Wind Orchestra
The Alam Shah Wind Orchestra (ASWO) was established back in 1996. ASWO members are age from 13 to 17 years old high school (all boys) students who started their music education from the most basic level upon joining the orchestra. Throughout its 20 years of establishment, ASWO has attained countless awards and recognitions which were:
1. 18 Gold Awards at the SBP Wind Orchestra Competition in 1997 and from 2000 to 2016.
2. Gold Award with Honors at the International SBP Wind Orchestra Competition 2018.
3. Best Woodwinds Section Award at the International SBP Wind Orchestra Competition 2018.
4. Best Ensemble Performance Award at the International SBP Wind Orchestra Competition 2018.
5. 8-time Champion of the SBP Wind Orchestra Competition in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2018.
6. Gold Award with Honors in the Open Category of the Malaysia International Music Arts Festival in 2015, 2016, and 2017 (Genting Highlands).
7. Highest Score Band at the Malaysia International Music Arts Festival in 2015 and 2016 (Genting Highlands).
8. Highest Distinction Award in Level 3 (Grade 5), Level 4 (Grade 6-7), and Level 5 (Grade 8) Music Examination by London College of Music, University of West London (2015, 2016, 2017).
9. Gold Award at the National Wind Orchestra Competition organized by Kolej Pendeta Za’aba, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 2016 and 2017.
10. Champion of the National Wind Orchestra Competition organized by Kolej Pendeta Za’aba, UKM in 2016 and 2017.
11. Best Conductor Award at the SBP Wind Orchestra Competition in 2007 and 2016.
12. Best Conductor Award at the Wind Orchestra Competition organized by Kolej Pendeta Za’aba, UKM in 2016 and 2017.
13. Gold Award (Wind Orchestra Category) at the Malaysian Schools Arts and Music Festival in Penang (2017).
14. Gold Award (Open Wind Orchestra Category) at the Malaysia International Music Arts Festival 2014, Genting Highlands.
15. Gold Award (Open Wind Orchestra Category) at the National Wind Orchestra Competition, Sultan Idris University of Education (2014).
16. Gold Award at the IOI Mall Wind Orchestra Competition (1998-2000).
17. Champion of the IOI Mall Wind Orchestra Competition in 1998 and 1999.
18. Runner-up at the IOI Mall Wind Orchestra Competition in 2000.
19. Champion of the 44th Malaysian Independence Day Parade (2001).
20. Champion of the Federal Territory Formation Competition (1999).
21. Best Drum Major Award at the Federal Territory Formation Competition (1999).
22. Third Place at the Federal Territory Formation Competition (2001).
23. Royal Concert with D.Y.M.M. Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (April 2013).
24. Royal Concert with Y.A.M. Raja Muda Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, and Y.A.M. Tengku Zatashah Binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (May 2015).
25. Performance at the Royal Tea Reception with D.Y.M.M. Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj from 2012 to 2014.
26. Royal Concert Performance (1999) with the then Regent of Selangor, D.Y.M.M. Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj.
27. Performance with Dato’ Mokhzani and Datin Alyah at the Royal Concert, Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (2015).
28. Performance with Dina Nadzir at the Royal Concert, Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (2013).
29. International Collaboration with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Orchestra and Hwa Chong Institution, Singapore (May 2013).
30. Finalist of the SBP Wind Orchestra Competition from 1997 to 2014 and in 2016.
31. Silver Award at the SBP Wind Orchestra Competition (2017).
32. Formation Marching Performance at the International Light Festival, Putrajaya (2016).
33. International Collaboration with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Orchestra (May 2013).
34. International Collaboration with Hwa Chong Institution, Singapore (May 2013 & April 2018).
35. Special Performance at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre during the Commonwealth Education Ministers’ Conference (2012).
36. Performance at the Golden Jubilee Gala Night with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak.
37. Performance at Citrawarna Malaysia (2012).
38. Silver Award at the Singapore International Band Festival (2008).
39. International Collaboration with Kasetsart University, Bangkok (2011).
40. Cultural Exchange Program with Hwa Chong Institution, Singapore (2011).
41. Cultural Exchange Program with Paya Lebar High School, Singapore (2010).
42. Participation in RTM’s ”Flashmob” event, listed in the Malaysia Book of Records.
43. Performance at Floria Putrajaya in 2011 and 2014.
44. Represented Malaysia at the Summer Band Music Festival in Jeju, South Korea (2001), winning the “Favorite Band” Award.
45. Performance at the UMNO General Assembly in Kelantan (2010).
46. Opening Ceremony Performance for the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit (2001 & 2002).
47. Northern Malaysia Road Tour (Perak, Penang & Kedah) in 1999.
48. Southern Malaysia Road Tour (Melaka & Johor) in 2000.
49. Sarawak Road Tour in 2002.
50. Performance in front of D.Y.M.M. Sultan of Pahang during His Majesty’s Birthday Celebration (2001).
51. Participated in the Opening Ceremony of the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
Under the guidance of Madam Nik Anita, Mr Mohd Fadzil and Madam Siti Rodiah with the tutelage of Dr Alfarizal Kamarudin, ASWO with the motto of ‘The Harmony Lies in Your Heart’, aims to achieve greater achievements with excellent and world class professional quality.

## Notable alumni

* Norian Mai, 6th Inspector-General of Police (Malaysia)
* Malique, Composer
* Pkharuddin Ghazali, 19th Director General of Education (Malaysia)
* Isham Jalil, Politician, former Umno Information Chief